What the heck is a “slobberknocker?” In football terms, it’s a hit that, well, knocks the slobber right out of the other player’s mouth. I’ll be posing six hard-hitting questions to BTSC fans every game-day morning during the 2018 regular season.
The Pittsburgh Steelers' bus has hit the road to face the Cleveland Browns later today for the inaugural game of the 2018 season for each team. Terry and Howie may focus on the possibility of severe weather due to the tropical storm heading Cleveland’s way, but not here on the Slobberknockers — fans are well acquainted with the effects of inclement weather. BTSC fans aren't your run-of-the-mill Steelers' fans, they're a cut above, so they crave more in-depth commentary.
Q1: Will the Steelers' offensive line be able to open up running lanes against the Browns for James Conner, a feat which the unit was unable to do in the 2017 opener?
Q2: Can rookie safety Terrell Edmunds limit the effectiveness of Brown’s tight end, David Njoku? If he struggles, will he be on a short leash, what with Morgan Burnett not being listed on the injury report?
Q3: Can left tackle Alejandro Villanueva shut down defensive end Myles Garrett? Will the Steelers be forced to help him out and, if so, where will that help come from?
Q4: Turnovers are an important aspect to any NFL game, do the Steelers have to win this battle to win the game?
Q5: Does wideout Antonio Brown have to have a dominant game for the Steelers to win if the running game bogs down?
Q6: If Joshua Dobbs is forced to enter a tie game in the first half, what would be the Steelers' chances of winning?
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The offseason has been long and grueling but game day is now upon Steelers Nation. Camp bodies are fading in the rearview mirror along with meaningless games. The starters are called on to win the important games that count in the standings as the Steelers begin their quest for a seventh ring. The Black-and-gold has won the last eight games in the Turnpike Rivalry — will Pittsburgh make it nine?